Federal Trucking Regulations
Explained by Our Columbus Truck Accident Attorneys
Accidents involving large commercial trucks can be among the most dangerous on the road. Regardless of how safely a person drives, other vehicles may simply be unable to withstand the power, weight, and momentum of an 18-wheeler. To curb this danger and risk of catastrophic injury, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issues strict regulations that oversee almost all aspects of the trucking industry. However, according to the FMCSA, just under half-a-million truck-related accidents occurred in the U.S. in 2014 alone—many due to one or more violations of these regulations.
When an accident occurs due to the negligent driving behavior of a trucker, they can be held legally responsible for resulting damages. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in a collision with a commercial truck, contact Rourke & Blumenthal and tell us what happened. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys possess an in-depth understanding of federal trucking regulations and know where to investigate to help determine if a violation played a role in your accident.
Clients choose to work with Rourke & Blumenthal because:
- We have recovered more than $300 million for past clients.
- Our attorneys have 150+ years of collective legal experience.
- We were selected for inclusion in the Ohio Super Lawyers® List.
- Our attorneys are AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell®.
FMCSA Trucking Regulations
Largely put in place to help ensure that drivers on the road remain safe, the FMCSA regulations govern areas such as trucking maintenance and hours of operation as well as the actions of a trucking company. In the event of an accident, one of the first questions to ask is, “Did the operator or trucking company violate a federal regulation?” Companies and drivers alike are required to keep detailed documentation about the operation of their vehicles.
In the past, these records were kept with pencil and paper. Today, records are kept on electronic on-board recorders (EOBR) and electronic logging devices (ELD). Depending on the circumstances of an accident, a truck driver, a trucking company, and the manufacturer of the truck equipment may incur liability.
Areas that are subject to one or more federal regulations include:
- Driver certification
- Language requirements
- Trucking inspections and maintenance
- Load and cargo requirements
- The total hours a trucker is allowed to drive
- Proper maintenance of accurate records
Injured in a Truck Accident? Call (614) 321-3212.
At Rourke & Blumenthal, we understand how stressful being injured in an accident can be. Between dealing with insurance companies and paying medical bills, it can be difficult to know where you can turn for help. Know that you are not alone in this struggle, and our firm can help you to seek compensation for medical costs, missed work, and reduced income potential as well as for your pain and suffering. Our Columbus truck accident attorneys have a proven history of success in accident cases and can help you to seek the restitution that you deserve.
To best assist our clients, we offer weekend and evening appointments. Contact our firm today.
A Proven Track Record of Success
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Learn what our happy clients have to say about working with our team
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"This group did everything they could to take the stress off of me."I cannot possibly say enough good things about this firm. Tim Mahler, Erin Morrow, and Amber Hawkins were all professional, dedicated, compassionate, and top-notch in the handling of my very complicated medical malpractice case.- Jennifer M.
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"The results were beyond what I could have imagined."Mike Rourke and Marla Blackburn were beyond helpful to me throughout my Personal Injury / Legal process. They were patient, kind, and thoughtful in their work.- Kate H.
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"I would not have known how to proceed without the help of this team."Rather than give up and pay $1500 out of pocket, I engaged Mike Rourke and his team, including Marla and Amber. It took filing a court case against the driver to rattle their cage.- Malcolm C.
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"Professionalism and courtesy."Your firm handled my medical malpractice claim with great professionalism and courtesy. Attorney Rourke and staff members Marla and Amber responded to all issues in a timely fashion and provided clear direction through every step of this process. I give my unqualified recommendation to Rourke and Blumenthal.- Donna R.
What Sets Us Apart From The Rest?
Rourke & Blumenthal is here to help you get the results you need with a team you can trust.
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